IIT Gandhinagar’s explorer fellowship 2026 sends students across India for learning beyond classrooms

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar has conducted its 2026 edition of Explorer Fellowship, a programme designed to help students learn through travel and real-world experiences across India. The initiative encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, interact with diverse communities and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural and social landscape.

The fellowship, which was introduced in 2015, encourages students to step away from familiar surroundings and explore the country on a limited budget. The idea is simple: travel, meet people, adapt to new situations and return with a broader understanding of India and oneself.

Interest in the programme continues to grow. This year, 63 student teams applied for the six-week fellowship, and 56 teams were selected to take part.

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The fellowship is open to IIT Gandhinagar students who are above 18 years of age. Participants are required to travel through six states, including at least one state each from the North, South and North-East regions of the country.

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Students travel by sleeper-class trains or state-run buses and stay in budget accommodations such as hostels and homestays. While the journeys are carefully planned, the experience often pushes students to navigate unfamiliar places, manage limited resources and solve problems on the go.

According to Manish Kumar, dean of student affairs at IIT Gandhinagar, the programme is about much more than travel.

“This first-of-its-kind initiative among the IITs encourages students to connect with people, communities, and realities beyond campus. By travelling across India and navigating unfamiliar situations, students develop confidence, empathy, independence, and better decision-making skills. The programme is a part of the continued commitment of IITGN towards the holistic education of students,” he said.

IIT Gandhinagar encourages creative journeys

One of the unique aspects of the fellowship is that students design their own travel themes. Rather than following a fixed itinerary, teams build journeys around topics that interest them.

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Over the years, students have explored themes ranging from architecture and dams to local cuisines, textiles and UNESCO world heritage sites. The approach allows participants to combine curiosity with hands-on learning.

Chetan D. Pahlajani, who convenes the programme, said, "One of the things we really enjoy in the fellowship programme is seeing students’ creativity each year in coming up with innovative themes around which they organize their travel.”

IIT Gandhinagar students share lessons

Students who have completed the fellowship say the experience often changes the way they view both travel and learning.

Rajani Meena, a participant from the 2025 batch, recalled standing in the Shillong hills and seeing clouds below the viewpoint. But beyond the scenic moments, the journey taught practical lessons.

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She said, "Travelling on a limited budget taught me how to manage money, adjust to different situations, and understand that travel is more about experiences than comfort. The fellowship also helped me become more confident and independent. Now, I can proudly say that I know my country."

Another participant, Antariksh Milind Dongre from the 2024 batch, said travelling through rural South India left a lasting impression. Despite language barriers, he found local communities welcoming and eager to help.

“I applied for the Explorer Fellowship because I wanted to experience India beyond textbooks and social media,” he said. The experience, he added, strengthened his communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills while helping him better appreciate India's cultural diversity.

With applications increasing this year, the fellowship continues to attract students looking for experiences that go beyond traditional academic learning. For IIT Gandhinagar, it remains an important part of preparing students not only for careers, but also for life beyond the classroom.